STAFF and members at the Hollies Day Centre in Musselburgh were celebrating a cash windfall just before the facility closed amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

They had heard they were to get a further two years funding from The Robertson Trust, amounting to £16,000 per year for the general running of the centre’s services for elderly people.

Liz Shannon, the centre’s manager, said: “We were delighted to receive the funding and would like to thank the trust for its continued support of the services which provide for the elderly in Musselburgh and for helping to ensure our sustainability and continuity of services into the future.”

The Robertson Trust was established in 1961 by the Robertson sisters, Elspeth, Agnes and Ethel, who donated the shares in their businesses, founded and developed by their grandfather and father, to the trust for charitable purposes.

The family business now operates as the global company Edrington – one of Scotland’s largest private companies and owner of several well-known whisky brands.

The sisters’ generosity enables the trust to use the dividends from its controlling shareholding in Edrington for the benefit of Scotland’s people and communities.

Ms Shannon said she was also trying to access Government help for staff salaries during the coronavirus crisis.

She added: “I would like to say we were extremely sad to have to close; however, for everyone’s safety the decision was taken before the lockdown.

“Luckily most of our members have families to take care of their needs, and myself and a volunteer have been phoning some people who are alone for a chat and to offer advice.

“I wish everyone well and hope to get back to normal as soon as it is safe to do so.”

She also praised the efforts of Karl Cleghorn, president of Musselburgh Athletic Football Club, who included the Hollies as a recipient of funds from his running challenge around Olivebank, the club’s home.

The 61-year-old retired police officer and Royal Navy veteran is planning to jog five laps a day for four days a week over 10 weeks, having recently recovered from cancer.

He has also chosen the Institute of Cancer Research, Veterans Charity and Musselburgh Athletic’s new floodlighting project to benefit from his challenge.

“We are delighted to hear of his fundraising for the Hollies, amongst others, and we plan to support his efforts. Well done Karl,” said Ms Shannon.

Contributions can be made to account Musselburgh Athletic FC, sort code 83-25-43, account number 1584 4399.

Mr Cleghorn can also be emailed at karlcleghorn1@gmail.com